Non-league Gateshead have been left on the brink of extinction by their main sponsors - for the sake of #60,000.

Non-league Gateshead have been left on the brink of extinction by their main sponsors - for the sake of #60,000.

The club which spent 30 years in the Football League is in danger of folding within days because Cameron Hall Developments has backed out of its agreement with the Tyneside outfit.

The UniBond League side say they need #60,000 to ensure the club's survival until the end of the season.

Gateshead chairman John Gibson negotiated the current deal with Cameron Hall's Douglas Hall, the Newcastle United director, in the summer.

"It was agreed on a handshake," said Gibson. "Morally they owe us until the end of the season."

Gibson sensed problems were looming a few weeks ago. "I began to get worried when payments became later and later," he said.

"That set the alarm bells ringing and suggested there might be a problem next season, but I never dreamed the money would be stopped in mid-season.

"When it happens now - two days before our next game - it makes life absolutely impossible. It's not the way things work.

"I know every sponsorship deal eventually comes to an end, but not at a time like this when it throws the club into chaos." Gibson added: "It hurts me that it has ended without the courtesy of a personal phone call.

"I found out through a second person, which is not the way to handle a club or people. I can't believe the way I've been hung out to dry without a personal explanation. My disappointment is massive."

Gibson has talked to the Gateshead players, who have agreed to play for nothing while he launches a survival bid.

"Their response was fabulous," he said.

"They will be playing for nothing and this club stays alive as long as we've got the goodwill of the players."

However, with Chistmas looming, all of Gateshead's squad know they would be able to earn appearance money by moving to other clubs in the UniBond League or Albany Northern League. And if Gibson fails to find new backers, the club which reached the second round of the FA Cup last season and is currently seventh in the UniBond League Premier Division, is likely to play its last match at Barrow in eight days' time.

Gibson said: "It would be a huge tragedy if a club of Gatesheads stature went under. But I can't believe Tyneside would let it go to the wall"

Gibson has approached Gateshead council, who currently charge the club a reduced rent at the International Stadium.

He said "The word came back that they have no wish or capability to help.

"I find it absolutely staggering that they would let us go to the wall when clubs such as Stalybridge Celtic have a #60,000-a-year contract over three years with their council.

The club currently have no debt according to Gibson, who is prepared to step aside if a financial backer want to take over the club.

No-one from Cameron Hall Developments was available for comment last night.